Category: I’m a resident

We would like to thank all participants of the competition for their commitment and creativity. Every year we receive more and more works. Each person taking part in our competition showed great ingenuity, patience (what a mastery of workmanship!) and extraordinary manual skills. Thanks to this, every ornament that is hung on our trees is absolutely unique!

The time of the inflow of applications is the greatest joy for us, because not only can we get to know you better, but there is also something to look at! On the other hand, the stage of choosing the winner is much more difficult. After all, how can you choose only three out of so many excellent works?

After many discussions, we announce the winners of the 3rd edition of the Olivia Business Centre Christmas Decoration Competition

1st place – Atos

Jury’s comment:

The bauble was made with great precision. The decoration is very delicate and intricate like a snowflake. It perfectly captures the atmosphere of Christmas.

2nd place – Pomerania Development Agency S.A.

Jury’s comment:

What is particularly impressive is the multitude of elements and their perfect fit. You can see the enormity of the work put into making the decoration. Appliqués add charm, pearls are the perfect culmination of this work.

3rd place – HK Finance

Jury’s comment:

HK Finance surprises us every year with its ingenuity and commitment. This year’s decoration fits beautifully with the Christmas setting at Olivia Business Centre. Thank you for your perseverance and for being with us from the very beginning of the competition.

Special prizes go to the youngest talented creators:

• Augustyna (1 year 9 months), who was helped by her mother, Justyna (Bayer).
• 6-year-old daughter of Mrs. Hanna (Staples).
• Siblings: Wiktoria, Patryk and Antoś (White Cat Kindergarten).

 

Dozens of handmade ornaments by our Residents can be seen in the reception halls. The competition decorations, like last year, will be stored and will decorate the Christmas trees in our center in the following years.

Winners will soon be notified of the date and place of receiving their prizes. Congratulations!

See all Christmas tree decorations at the reception desks of Olivia Business Centre.

We would like to thank the Pomerania Development Agency S.A., Atos, Bayer, Enspirion, HK Finance, Non-Public Kindergarten Biały Kotek, Nowakowski Gorąco Polecam, Staples, Thyssenkrupp.

 

In July 2017, Energa Group established Kropelka Energii Foundation – the blood donation organisation, which meets the needs for saving life and health. Because blood saves life. Kropelka Energii Foundation developed from an informal, blood donation action initiated by employees, which originators were Tomasz Rubanowicz and Piotr Krysiński. Thanks to their passion and involvement, Energa Group’s employees and their friends collected more than 850 litres of blood, from which 244 litres were obtained in 2016. We would like to encourage you to read another part of “Olivia’s conversations” series, in which Monika Bogdanowicz presents the creators of “Drop of Life” social initiative, who prove how much strength lies in integration of communities and the will to help people who need our support.

Monika Bogdanowicz (Olivia Business Centre Communication): Since when has the matter of voluntary blood donation been present in your lives?

Tomasz Rubanowicz: I started to donate blood in high school, as soon as I turned 18 and fulfilled the minimum condition to become a Donor. One day, after my classes, I encouraged my pals to come with me to the point of blood collection. I just wanted to obtain essential information, but ultimately I donated blood. It was so well organised that I didn’t even have time to think of it and suddenly I was sitting in the chair and my blood was flowing into a bag. After fifteen years and more than 20 litres of donated blood, I have very fond memories of that moment. It determined the social side of my life.

Piotr Krysiński: Since 2001. It was my first donation after 20 years of being afraid of needles. After satisfaction there came a reflection: why did I postpone this decision for so long? Until today, I have donated blood 34 times, what in my case gives 15.1 litres of blood.

Monika Bogdanowicz: Why did you decide to promote the idea of voluntary blood donation?

Tomasz Rubanowicz: Voluntary blood donation is, in a sense, the lifestyle, which also requires a certain physical preparation. They say that after donating blood your organism feels as if it ran a 42-kilometre marathon, which requires many hours to be finished, in 5-6 minutes. It is very impressive for me. Voluntary Blood Donor has to take care of himself/herself and when you are healthy, then you have a lot of positive energy, which is worth releasing to spread the idea of helping other people. In any case, a good model of satisfying life is worth recommending to everyone. Most of all, blood donation restores honour in people and that’s beautiful.

Piotr Krysiński: Overcoming my fear of needles, which was present in my life for a very long time, and the feeling of wasting my time motivated me to catch up and encourage other people. Initially, I donated blood after work. But during one donation, a woman who drew my blood asked me why I didn’t come before noon. Then, my blood could be donated for children, because blood for them needs more time to be processed. I felt like a super donor because only blood with very good parameters is processed this way.

Monika Bogdanowicz: What did the beginning of your informal activities within organising blood donations look like in your working environment?

Tomasz Rubanowicz: When I was employed in the company, I started to search for an Honorary Blood Donors Club in Energa Group’s structures. It wasn’t easy because the company is big and has many locations in Poland. In this way, I was directed to Piotr Krysiński, who was known for engaging his colleagues in joint trips to the Regional Centre for Blood Donation and Haemotherapy. We talked, took up the challenge and organised our first mobile blood donation campaign, however we were worried, that there may not be enough people willing to take part (minimum 20 people). But there came more people than the ambulance could accommodate. The situation looks like that to this day and we do our best to make all participants satisfied. Together with Donors and Friends we are developing this beautiful idea of helping people on the basis of Blood Bank’s needs.

Piotr Krysiński: After a successful donation, you receive chocolates in a decorative box with some words of gratitude for donating blood. Taking it to work to show and hand it round was a good example of promoting blood donation. After obtaining the consent from my supervisors, I started to organise trips to a nearby Regional Centre for Blood Donation and Haemotherapy during working hours. A group of employees, who were coming back with chocolates was greeted with recognition and enthusiasm. You could feel this positive energy!

Monika Bogdanowicz: How do you manage to balance your voluntary activities and work? What is the biggest challenge and what gives the biggest satisfaction while combining these two activities?

Tomasz Rubanowicz: Aw, the beginning was difficult. Piotr had to take some days off and I had to work overtime to be able to completely devote to the action, which could last up to 7 hours. It would be much easier, if the labour code gave every employer tools to second their employees for the purpose of corporate volunteering. Running such a foundation as Kropelka Energii, we feel very obliged towards each of our Donors and Partners of the action who trusted us and support us in different ways. We devote our private time after working hours within an unlimited scope to develop the Foundation. This is social work, but it requires high quality while managing many aspects, according to project standards, like in an ordinary enterprise. The biggest organisational challenge is reaching potential Donors with our announcements about the action. Without the help of Olivia Business Centre, there would not be so many participants.

Monika Bogdanowicz: What gives you the greatest satisfaction while developing the campaign?

Tomasz Rubanowicz: A huge number of satisfied Donors who wave their boxes full of chocolate is our greatest satisfaction (laughter). We feel satisfied also when we see smile on the face of campaign’s participant, when he or she leaves the ambulance after donating blood and says that he or she would like to repeat it! We also feel satisfied when someone thanks us in a casual way for our help while collecting blood. After such human gestures, our own batteries are loaded and we are very motivated to organise another campaign.

Monika Bogdanowicz: What was the influence of project’s presence within the community of Olivia Business Centre on the development of “Kropelka Energii” initiative and the litres of blood collected?

Tomasz Rubanowicz: The influence was crucial because from the very beginning our campaigns have been gathering more and more participants in a natural way, as together with the development of OBC complex. People who were responsible for management understood at that time our initiative and got completely involved. They provided parking places for ambulances and gave access to electricity infrastructure in case of back-up power supply, provided tables and chairs, as well as security, which was overseeing participants’ safety.

Monika Bogdanowicz: For you, 2017 comes to an end together with creating a new chapter in the history of your efforts connected with the idea of blood collection. “A Drop of Energy” Foundation was established and it inaugurated its public activity during a gala in Olivia Sky Club. What are your new goals in the upcoming year?

Tomasz Rubanowicz: From the very beginning we have had many ideas for the development of Kropelka Energii. Primarily, we draw inspiration from our Donors, who share with us their comments on a regular basis and we implement them. This is the best cooperation because we are not forcing things. Thanks to that, many Donors and Friends are involved in the development of Kropelka Energii. This year, we reached the point, when we had to make a final decision whether we were establishing the foundation or not. Today we can say that it was one of the best ideas. On December 6, 2017 in Olivia Sky Club, we had an opportunity to present many of our activities and, above all, solemnly thank all Donors for donating blood and award them with the Badges of Honoured Voluntary Blood Donor of the Polish Red Cross. About 50 persons participated in the meeting. We would like to thank all Donors for their support and such a commitment to the idea. This is a great help in saving health and lives of many people every day.

In the New Year, we would like to exceed 1000 litres of blood. This is an ambitious plan, that is why we will increase the number of campaigns up to six. Currently, we are agreeing upon dates with the Regional Centre for Blood Donation and Haemotherapy, which will be published on our social profiles on Facebook and LinkedIn. You can obtain additional information sending an e-mail to: ekropelka@energa.pl

See you during the next blood donation campaigns, which will take place in 2018!

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^{Tomasz Rubanowicz – he graduated from the Military University of Technology in Warsaw (2006), the faculty of Mechatronics. He completed Postgraduate Studies within the scope of managing innovative projects at the University of Gdańsk. Currently, he is the employee of Energa Group, where he fulfils his professional goals within the scope of wholesale trading of electric power generated also in Renewable Energy Sources. For several years, he was also carrying out scientific research at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Automatics at the Gdańsk University of Technology within the scope of predictions of wind farms’ generation capacity. He is the author of many publications in this field. The following issues belong to the area of his scientific, research and professional interests: the application of the methods of artificial intelligence to predict the dynamics of generating renewable energy sources, the market of electric power and fuel gas, technology of offshore wind energy. For more than 15 years, he has been socially active in many initiatives and recently he has been engaged in the project of the development of Kropelka Energii Foundation.}

^{Piotr Krysiński – born in 1963, he graduated (in 1989) from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at Gdańsk University of Technology, specialisation: Electrical Devices and Machines. He has been connected with power industry since 1996, he started his professional activity in Gdańsk Electricity Board, currently he is an employee of Energa Group. Interests: travelling, technology, DIY. Since 2001, he has been an active blood donor, exponent and organiser of Kropelka Club in ELNORD SA.}

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Some words about Kropelka Energii

During its five-year activity, Kropelka Energii managed to collect more than 850 litres of blood. The project was brought to life by Piotr Krysiński and Tomasz Rubanowicz, Energa Group’s employees. It is more than 1900 donations – 450 ml each – given during 20 campaigns with ambulances organised within Olivia Business Centre in Gdańsk. On average, 140 donors take part in them, including about 20 of them who donate blood for the first time. The number of willing people who decide to share their priceless gift is continually increasing. In 2017, in 5 collections organised by “Kropelka Energii”, there took part 735 people and donated 273.1 litres of blood (including 464 men and 143 women). It gives 66 more people and 29.7 more litres of blood than in 2016. Collected blood went to hospitals for operations and transfusions for patients suffering from cancer.

Droplet of Energy in numbers:

• 20 – this is the number of collections with the use of ambulances of the Regional Centre for Blood Donation and Haemotherapy which have been organised since 2012
• 47 – this is the number of people transported by Energa Group with the use of electric cars to the Military Centre for Blood Donation and Haemotherapy
• 490 – this is the number of women who have donated blood in all campaigns
• 867 – this is the number of blood litres which “Kropelka Energii” has collected from the beginning of its activity
• 887 – this is the number of people who permanently cooperate with the foundation
• 1438 – this is the number of men who have donated blood in all campaigns
• 1928 – this is the number of donations 450 ml each
• 2550 – this is the number of participants so far

Inaugural Gala of Droplet of Energy
Foundation

We would like to thank all participants for their involvement and creativity. Every year, there are more and more decorations. Every person, who participates in our competition, demonstrated great creativity, patience (what an artistry!) and exceptional manual skills. Thanks to this, every decoration, which was hung on our trees, is absolutely unique!

The time, when participants are sending their applications, gives us a lot of joy. We can not only get to know you better, but also have a chance to admire your works! However, the stage of selecting the winner is much more difficult. How can we choose only three decorations out of so many great works?

Following long discussions, we are ready to announce the winners of the 3^rd edition of Olivia Business Centre’s Christmas Competition for the Best Decorations

1st^{place –} Atos

Jury’s comments:

Christmas ball was made with the highest precision. The decoration is very delicate and intricate like a snowflake. It ideally reflects the Christmas atmosphere.

2^nd place – Pomerania Development Agency S.A.

Jury’s comments:

What makes the biggest impression is the multitude of elements and their perfect matching. You can see a great deal of work put in creating this decoration. Embroideries add additional charm and pearls are the ideal crowning of the work.

3rd^{place –} HK Finance

Jury’s comments:

HK Finance surprises us with its creativity and involvement. This year’s decoration makes a beautiful match with Christmas setting in Olivia Business Centre. Thank you for your perseverance and for the fact that you are with us from the very beginning of the competition.

Special awards go to the youngest, talented authors:

Augustyna (1 year and 9 months old), who was assisted 🙂 by her mother Justyna (Bayer).

6-year old daughter of Hanna from Staples.

Siblings: Wiktoria, Patryk and Antoś from Biały Kotek kindergarten.

Several dozen of decorations made by our Residents can be admired in reception halls. Decorations, which took part in the competition, just like a year ago, will be stored and will decorate Christmas trees in our centre in subsequent years.

The winners will be soon informed about the date and place where they will be able to claim their prizes. Congratulations!

See all Christmas tree decorations in Olivia Business Centre reception areas.

Many thanks to: Pomerania Development Agency S.A., Atos, Bayer, Enspirion, HK Finance, Biały Kotek Non-public kindergarten, Nowakowski Gorąco Polecam, Staples, Thyssenkrupp.

Olivia’s conversations: we talk to Bogusław Wieczorek about the Jagiellonian Club and how the subdued and substantive formulation of conclusions and recommendations – whether in the form of debates or scientific and journalistic publications – can lead to a change in the legal, political or economic reality.

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At the beginning of the new year, our thoughts are focused on planning many issues and topics concerning the future, including the constant development of the place where Olivia operates and our entire region – Pomerania. Taking into account the importance of the role of the exchange of thoughts, ideas and experiences for this development, we would like to introduce you to the organizer of cyclical meetings taking place in Olivia Sky Club. The Jagiellonian Club, as it is referred to, undertakes an in-depth analysis of topics important not only for the city of Gdańsk, but also for the emerging Metropolis. By supporting such initiatives, Olivia Business Centre tries to connect people who want to change the environment and recommend areas of active activity for local governments and politicians.

We invite you to read the interview with Bogusław Wieczorek – attorney-at-law at Olivia Business Centre; coordinator of the Jagiellonian Club in Gdańsk and expert of the Club’s Analysis Centre; author of a blog on intellectual property, which has been quoted many times in the media; the initiator of bringing the copyright to “Red Poppies on Monte Cassino” to Polish; Co-author of the report on collecting societies.

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Monika Bogdanowicz (Olivia Business Centre Communication): How and when did your adventure with the Jagiellonian Club begin and what motivated you to undertake such a social activity?

Bogusław Wieczorek: I have been involved in non-governmental initiatives for a long time, especially those related to the development of civil society. This is how I got to know the environment of the Jagiellonian Club – back in the days when its activities were concentrated in Krakow. When the decision was made to open a branch in Gdansk, I was naturally the first contact on the spot. It so happened that I could also devote my time to volunteering, and since the ideas of the Club are close to me, I undertook to coordinate the activities of the branch in the Tri-City.

MB: Is it possible to really change the world around us today by organizing debates on important topics concerning state policy in various thematic areas?

BW: A few days ago, Dr. Krzysztof Mazur, the President of the Jagiellonian Club, published a text entitled “41 reasons to be proud”, summarizing the Club’s activities in the previous year. I think you can think of that as 41 different answers to that question. Among the following points, one can find examples of how the subdued and substantive formulation of conclusions and recommendations – whether in the form of debates or publications of a scientific and journalistic nature – can lead to a change in the legal, political or economic reality. That is our assumption – not just a discussion circle, but concrete conclusions and real actions. The debate is intended to be the starting point.

Of course, a significant part of the Club’s recommendations remain only recommendations, but it is also not the role of the think-tank to implement them, but to express its voice in the discussion. The last word always belongs to the decision-makers. On the other hand, it would be great if the decision was preceded by reading the different opinions and considering each of them. Ideally, it should be done in a transparent way.

_{See the full text by Krzysztof Mazur, PhD: http://www.jagiellonski24.pl/2018/01/07/41-powodow-do-dumy/}

MB: What are the main projects you carry out as an association at the national level?

BW: In addition to the regular publication of expert reports and the already mentioned discussion meetings, the publication of the quarterly magazine “Pressje” and the journalistic portal Jagiellonski24.pl, the implementation of the Academy of Modern Patriotism – a program for secondary school students and the development of an application supporting consumer patriotism in Pola – are certainly of key importance for the Club’s activities. that each of them in its category is an important point of reference.

^{Fig. Bogusław Wieczorek (author: Joanna “Frota” Kurkowska)}

MB: What is the main goal of the Jagiellonian Club in Pomerania and why did you choose Olivia Business Centre as the place of your activity?

BW: One of the topics taken up by the Jagiellonian Club is deglomeration, which in the Polish reality boils down to the “dispersion of Warsaw”. Unfortunately, the lion’s share of politics and media is conducted from the perspective of the capital, which leads to a natural distortion of the image, in which – for example – Jerusalem Avenue, standing in a traffic jam, grows into a nationwide problem. There is only one solution – some of the state institutions must be transferred to other centres, which also have the resources to run them. Technological development has basically abolished the barrier of distance, which in the past could have been used as an argument for gathering state organs in geographically distant places. It works similarly in the case of all other organizations that have the ambition to analyze and describe the reality of the whole Polish, including the Jagiellonian Club. From Gdansk’s perspective, issues related to political and economic relations with Scandinavia or the construction of the Central Port take on an additional dimension. Discussions on these topics were organized by the Jagiellonian Club in Gdańsk – thanks to the hospitality of Olivia Business Centre – so we could also take advantage of an additional perspective, i.e. a beautiful view of the Port and the Bay of Gdańsk, which can be enjoyed from the Olivia Sky Club.

The activity of the branch is obviously an “extension” of the nationwide activity, but it is equally important for us to address local and regional issues. That is why the issues concerning the Tri-City metropolis are important to us – we discussed them from a purely practical side, such as the organization of public transport within its framework, but also from the political and economic side – discussing the possibilities and the need to separate the Gdańsk Metropolis as an independent self-government body. Also from this perspective, the actual presence in the new centre of the metropolis, where the largest investments and science are concentrated, is an added value of our meetings.

MB: Why is it worth participating in the meetings of the Gdańsk branch of the Jagiellonian Club and what benefits can be derived from such participation?

BW: And why is it worth participating in any meetings about the reality that surrounds us? It seems to me that anyone who is interested in politics, understood as caring for the common good, should take the opportunity to express their own opinion and get to know the opinion of others. This is what our meetings are designed to do. The Jagiellonian Club does not get involved in party life. We also try to make our meetings stand out from the emotional and aggressive discourse that dominates the media, directing the discussion to the tracks of objectivity and substance. If someone is close to this way of conducting a conversation, they will certainly find themselves at the events we organize, even if the conservative character of the Jagiellonian Club does not correspond to their worldview.

Of course, we also invite everyone who would like to join the Club’s activities – either as an expert or as an organizer. The cross-section of projects is so large that everyone will find something interesting for themselves, regardless of age and experience.

MB: A new year is always a time of new beginnings and new plans. What are you preparing as part of the Jagiellonian Club meeting programme, what topics will be the subject of analyses and discussions or debates in 2018?

BW: We are opening the year with a “hot” meeting on the digitization of the state and the economy. This week, the current Minister of Digital Affairs Anna Streżyńska lost her position, and at the same time the ministry published the first report on the U.S. digitization of Polish. If we add to this the civilizational trend related to the development of artificial intelligence and try to place Poland in it today, including the aforementioned need for deglomeration, it gets really interesting. This is one of the topics I will be talking about with Natalia Hatalska (author of the hatalska.com and best-selling book “Particles of Attraction” from the infuture hatalska foresight institute; indicated as one of the 50 most influential women in Poland), Dr. Cezary Kościelniak (head of the political cabinet of the Minister of Digital Affairs) and Rafał Kleger-Rudomin (leader of the group Code for Polish – Tricity).

It’s January 11 (Thursday) at 5:00 p.m. at Olivia Sky Club.

Soon after, we will certainly organise a debate on transport, especially the plans for Via Carpatia and its impact on the Gdańsk Metropolis. In the first half of the year, we will also focus on Solidarity and the relevance of its ethos. We will keep you informed about the next meetings on our Facebook page and by e-mail. If you want to be up to date, I encourage you to “like” your FB profile or send me your email to add it to your mailing list.

_{https://www.facebook.com/KJGdansk/}

_{mailto:kontakt@boguslawwieczorek.pl}

Soon, we will also offer – mainly students – participation in expert seminars. Each of them will be devoted to different issues and will be conducted by specialists in their fields. The extraordinary value of the Club is that it brings together people professionally and scientifically dealing with various issues. As a result, the Club’s offer, as an organization, can be really rich in terms of content. And so will the year 2018 of the Jagiellonian Club in Gdańsk.

^{Fig. Jagiellonian Club debate at Olivia Sky Club on the future of the metropolis in Pomerania (author: Joanna “Frota” Kurkowska)}

MB: If your ideas are important to someone, how can you support your organization in its development?

BW: First of all, active action. Feel free to contact me. I also encourage you to actively participate in the events we organize and to express your support for those initiatives with which you identify. Civic life cannot be confined to the ballot box.

Undoubtedly, the independence of funding should be important for every NGO. People interested in the subject are familiar with a disease called “grantosis”, which bothers many NGOs, and which, after settling a grant or a grant for a specific project, can lead to the collapse of the organization. There is only one remedy – regular support of supporters. That is why I encourage you to make payments – even small ones – to the Club’s account number: 32 2130 0004 2001 0404 9144 0004 (title: “donation for statutory purposes”). The time for settling personal income tax is also approaching, I encourage you to consider whether it is worth allocating your 1% to the Jagiellonian Club (KRS: 0000128315).

MB: Thank you for sharing your experience of building an organization that has the ambition to influence our environment and the reality in which we operate.

BW: Feel free to contact me and see you at the meetings and debates in Olivia!

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^{The Jagiellonian Club is a conservative and republican Polish socio-political think tank founded in 1989 in Krakow. The club’s goal is to maintain and spread the republican way of thinking about Poland and the world. The organization was established just after the end of the Round Table Talks and was granted legal personality in 1994. Currently, the Club is a nationwide organization conducting educational, expert, journalistic activities and implementing civic political initiatives. It brings together mainly experts, social activists and publicists of the young generation with republican, ordoliberal and conservative views. In its activities, the Club refers to the heritage of the First Polish Republic and the Second Polish Republic, the “Solidarity” movement as well as Christian thought and philosophy. According to the Preamble to the Statute of the Association, the mission of the Jagiellonian Club is to act for the good and benefit of the Republic of Poland and to multiply the spiritual, intellectual and political heritage of Polish through care for the common good, justice, responsibility, entrepreneurship and respect for tradition and religion. Expert activity within the Centre for Analysis of the Jagiellonian Club is carried out in the spirit of respect for four fundamental values: freedom, property, community and tradition.}

On the first Saturday in December, Olivia Sky Club hosted the next edition of our chamber music series, Olivia Camerata. This is the second year of meetings with the works of the masters; The Camerata’s programme always includes the most beautiful compositions of classical music, which help us to realize our sometimes undiscovered love for it and give us an extraordinary opportunity to get in touch with beauty in its pure form.

Olivia Camerata is a project that integrates our community. Olivia, as part of it, hosts entire multi-generational families. Both the youngest and the elderly feel good here. Residents and our friends from Oliwa and the entire Tri-City meet in Olivia Sky Club.

The December concert of the Camerata will be remembered for a very long time, because it was unique in many respects. A full audience (the hall was filled to capacity), a unique atmosphere and a very warm welcome of the performers – Anna Mikolon (piano) and Krzysztof Bobrzecki (baritone) – these are just some of the attributes of this unique meeting. We could hear, or even feel, the taste of rabbit or Turkish chicken dishes – recipes for preparing these delicacies… was sung. As part of the promotion of young talents, students of the Secondary School of Music performed. in Gdańsk-Wrzeszcz, Zofia Lewandowska (viola) and Marcin Marzejon (clarinet).

In the program, as part of the “Christmas Music Menu” we heard the most beautiful works of the classics of world chamber music m.in: Mozart, Beethoven, Bizet, Moniuszko and Strauss. In addition to the works of the masters, there were also Christmas songs, songs and, of course, everyone’s beloved Christmas carols, close to our hearts. We also heard such well-known Christmas hits as “White Christmas”, “Let it snow”, “Have yourself a merry little Christmas”, or “On the whole slope of snow”.

We would like to thank all of you for the time spent together, which beautifully began the Advent period and the anticipation of Christmas.

We would also like to thank the Partners of our event: Mr. Andrzej Palecki (MBank Gdańsk), Sylwia Pawłowska (Lobster Restaurant) for the lovely, rich Santa Claus gifts and refreshments for our guests. We would like to thank StaraOliwa.pl, the Gdańsk Community, Radio Gdańsk and the Pomerania Development Agency for their media support.

We invite you to the next concerts of the Olivia Camerata series in 2018, and the motto will be “Four Seasons”. So the first installment in March, in the spring!

Thank you very much for the special time we spent together during the “Christmas Music Menu” concert!

Monika Bogdanowicz

EXTENSIVE COVERAGE OF THE EVENT ON OUR FACEBOOK PROFILE:)

Photos: Maciej Roszkowski (WelovePhoto)

 

Another edition of our music cycle of cameral music, Olivia Camerata, was held in the Olivia Sky Club on the first Saturday in December. It is our second year of meetings with masters’ compositions; the Camerata’s program includes the most beautiful classical music that helps us realize our, sometimes undiscovered, love for it and offers an extraordinary opportunity for the contact with beauty in its pure form.

Olivia Camerata is a project that integrates our community. Olivia hosts entire multi-generational families participating in it. Both the youngest ones and seniors feel well here. Residents and our Friends from Oliwa and the entire Tri-City meet in the Olivia Sky Club.

We will remember the December concert of the Camerata for a long time as it was unique in so many aspects. Full audience (the room was filled to the last seat), unique atmosphere and a very warm welcome for the performers: Anna Mikolon (piano) and Krzysztof Bobrzecki (baritone) were only some of the attributes of that extraordinary meeting. We could hear and even feel the taste of rabbit or Turkish chicken dishes as the recipes for these delicacies were… Sung. Students of the music school of the 2nd^{degree in} Gdańsk-Wrzeszcz: Zofia Lewandowska (viola ) and Marcin Marzejon (clarinet) performed to promote young talents.

Thanks to the programme the “Christmas Music Menu” we could hear the most beautiful compositions by classics of the international cameral music, e.g.: Mozart, Beethoven, Bizet, Moniuszko and Strauss. In addition to the works of masters, there were also Christmas songs close to our hearts and, of course, carols loved by all. We could also hear well-known Christmas hits such as “White Christmas”, “Let it snow”, “Have yourself a merry little Christmas” and “Snow all over the place”.

We would like to thank all of you for the time spent together to beautifully begin the Advent and the time when we await Christmas.

We would also like to thank Partners of our event: Mr. Andrzej Palecki (MBank Gdańsk), Sylwia Pawłowska (Lobster Restaurant) for the very pleasant, rich gifts from Santa and treats for our guests. We would also like to thank StaraOliwa.pl, “Gdańsk Community”, Radio Gdańsk and the Pomerania Development Agency for their support.

We invite you to other Olivia Camerata concerts in 2018 with the “Four seasons” theme. The first edition will take place in March!

Thank you for the unique time together during the “Christmas Music Menu” concert!

Monika Bogdanowicz

EXTENSIVE REPORT FROM THE EVENT IS AVAILABLE ON OUR FACEBOOK PROFILE:)

 

Olivia talks: we are talking to Bogusław Wieczorek about Jagiellonian Club and about how formulating conclusions and recommendations in a restrained and substantive way – in the form of debates or scientific and journalistic publications – can lead to the change of legal, political or economic reality.

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On the verge of new year, our thoughts revolve around planning many issues and subjects concerning future, including continuous development of a place, in which Olivia is active, as well as our whole region – Pomerania. Taking into account crucial importance of the role, which exchange of thoughts, ideas and experiences play in terms of such a development, we would like to present you the organiser of periodic meetings, which are held in Olivia Sky Club. Jagiellonian Club, the matter at hand, profoundly analyses subjects, which are important not only for Gdańsk, but also for the developing Metropolis. Olivia Business Centre supports such initiatives and tries to connect people, who want to change their environment and recommend areas of active presence for local governments and politicians.

We would like to encourage you to read a conversation with Bogusław Wieczorek – a legal counsel in Olivia Business Centre; coordinator of Jagiellonian Club in Gdańsk and an expert in the Club’s Analysis Centre; the author of a blog about intellectual property, which is frequently quoted in media; initiator of importing to Poland the copyrights to “The Red Poppies on Monte Cassino”; co-author of the report about collective copyrights management organizations.

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Monika Bogdanowicz (Communication Olivia Business Centre): How and when did your adventure with Jagiellonian Club start and what motivated you to undertake such a social activity?

Bogusław Wieczorek: I have been engaged in non-governmental initiatives for a long time, especially the ones, which are connected with the development of civil society. In this way, I got to know the environment of Jagiellonian Club – when its activity was concentrated in Cracow. When they decided to create a branch in Gdańsk, in a natural way I was the first contact on site. It happened that I could also devote my time for voluntary activity. Taking into account the fact that Club’s ideas are close to my heart, I decided to coordinate branch’s activity in Tri-City.

MB: Is it possible today to realistically change the world around us by organising debates, which focus on important subjects concerning government policy in different thematic areas?

BW: Some days ago, Krzysztof Mazur, PhD, the President of Jagiellonian Club, published an article entitled “41 reasons to be proud”, which summarised Club’s activity in the previous year. I think that it can be treated as 41 different answers to this question. Among other points, you can find the examples which indicate that formulating conclusions and recommendations in a restrained and substantive way – whether in the form of debates or scientific and journalistic publications – can lead to the change of legal, political or economic reality. In any case, this is our premise – not only discussion circle, but also concrete conclusions and real activities. A debate is supposed to be a starting point.

Of course, a substantial part of Club’s recommendations remains only recommendations, but at the same time think-tanks role is not to implement them, but to express opinions in discussions. The last word always belongs to decision-makers. However, it would be great, if making a decision was preceded by getting familiar with different opinions and considering each of them. And it would be ideal, if it happened in a transparent way.

_{Read the whole article by Krzysztof Mazur, PhD:
http://www.jagiellonski24.pl/2018/01/07/41-powodow-do-dumy/}

MB: Which main projects do you implement as an association on a national level?

BW: Apart from periodic publications of expert reports and above-mentioned discussion meetings, it is crucial for Club’s activity to publish “Pressje” idea’s quarterly and maintain Jagiellonski24.pl journalistic portal, develop the academy of Modern Patriotism – a programme for secondary school students and develop Pola app, which supports consumer patriotism. Each of these projects is addressed to different recipients, but I have no doubts that each of them is an important reference point in their category.

^{photo: Bogusław Wieczorek (author: Joanna “Frota” Kurkowska)}

 

MB: What is the main goal of Jagiellonian Club’s activity in Pomerania region and why did you choose Olivia Business Centre for your place of activity?

BW: One of the subjects discussed by Jagiellonian Club is deglomeration, which, in Polish reality, comes down to “dispersing Warsaw”. Unfortunately, the lion’s share of politics and media is conducted from the perspective of our capital city, which leads to a natural distortion of the image, in which – for example – gridlocked Jerusalem Avenue becomes a nationwide problem. There is only one solution – some of national institutions have to be transferred to other centres, which also have enough resources to run them. Technological development has actually removed the barriers of distance, what in the past could be an argument in favour of placing national authorities in geographically non-distant regions. It works similarly in the case of all other organisations, which have ambitions to analyse and describe the reality of the whole Poland, including Jagiellonian Club. From the perspective of Gdańsk, the issues concerning political-economic relationships with Scandinavia or building Central Harbour gain additional dimension. Jagiellonian Club organised discussions on such subjects in Gdańsk – thanks to Olivia Business Centre’s hospitality. Thanks to that, we could benefit from additional perspective, that is a beautiful view of the Harbour and Gdańsk Bay from Olivia Sky Club.

Branch’s activity is obviously the “extension” of nationwide activity, but it is equally important for us to touch upon local and regional issues. That is why, issues concerning Tri-City metropolis are essential for us – we touched upon them from a purely practical perspective, such as the organisation of public transport within its frames, but also political-economic perspective – discussing opportunities and the need to distinct Gdańsk Metropolis as an independent self-government organism. From this perspective, the actual presence in new centre of metropolis, where the biggest investments and science concentrate, represents the added value of our meetings.

MB: Why is it worth participating in the meetings organised by Gdańsk branch of Jagiellonian Club and what benefits can we derive from such a participation?

BW: And why is it worth participating in any meetings concerning surrounding reality? I think that everyone who is interested in politics, understood as taking care of common good, should make use of the opportunity to express their opinions and get to know opinions of other people. Our meetings are supposed to serve this purpose. Jagiellonian Club, according to its policy, doesn’t get engaged in the activities of any party. We also do our best to make our meetings positively distinguished from emotional and aggressive discourse, which is present in media. In this way, we want to get discussion back on the right track of reality and substantive side. If such a way of holding conversation is close to somebody’s heart, then he or she will surely feel good during our events, even if the conservative character of Jagiellonian Club does not reflect his or her world view.

Of course, we invite everyone who would like to get involved in Club’s activity – as experts or organisers. The cross-section of our projects is so broad that everyone will find something interesting for themselves, regardless of their age and experience.

MB: New year is always the time of new opening and new plans. What are you preparing within the scope of the series of meetings and events signed by Jagiellonian Club, which topics are you going to analyse, discuss or debate upon in 2018?

BW: We are opening the new year with a “hot” meeting, which concerns digitisation of the country and economy. This week, outgoing Minister of Digitisation, Anna Streżyńska, lost her position and at the same time, the ministry published its first report concerning digitisation of Poland. If we add a civilizational trend connected with the development of artificial intelligence and try to locate there Poland today, with the above-mentioned need for deglomeration, it is getting really interesting. I will be talking about it, among other things, with Natalia Hatalska (the author of hatalska.com blog and bestselling book entitled “Particles of Attraction” from the institute for future studies – infuture hatalska foresight institute; who is recognised as one of 50 most influential women in Poland), Cezary Kościelniak, PhD (head of the political office of the Minister of Digitisation) and Rafał Kleger-Rudomin (who leads the group called Koduj dla Polish – Tricity [Code for Poland – Tri-City]).

The meeting will be held already on 11 of January (Thursday) at 5:00 pm in Olivia Sky Club.

Shortly afterwards, we will surely organise a debate around transport, especially plans concerning Via Carpatia and its influence on Gdańsk Metropolis. In the first half of 2018, we will take a closer look at Solidarity and the topicality of its ethos. We will keep you updated when it comes to subsequent meetings on our Facebook profile and via e-mails. I encourage persons, who want to stay informed, to “like” our Facebook profile or send me their e-mail addresses so that I can add them to our mailing list.

_{https://www.facebook.com/KJGdansk/}

_{mailto:kontakt@boguslawwieczorek.pl}

Soon, we will also encourage – mainly students – to participate in expert seminars. Each of them will be devoted to different issues and will be led by specialists in their fields. Since the biggest value of the Club is the fact that it gathers people who professionally and scientifically deal with various issues. Thanks to that, Club’s offer, as an organisation, can be really broad when it comes to its substantive side. This is what 2018 will look like for Jagiellonian Club in Gdańsk.

^{photo: Jagiellonian Club’s debate in Olivia Sky Club on the future of Pomeranian metropolis (author: Joanna “Frota” Kurkowska)}

 

MB: If your ideas are important for someone, how can he or she support your organisation in development?

BW: Most of all, you can support us with your active involvement. I encourage all volunteers to contact us. I also encourage to participate actively in our events and to support the initiatives you identify with. Civic life can’t be limited solely to a ballot box.

Undoubtedly, financial independence should be important for every non-governmental organisation. People who are interested in the subject should know the disease called “grantosis”, from which many non-governmental organisations suffer. The disease may, after settlement of grants and subsidies for a certain project, lead at least to organisation’s collapse. There is only one cure – regular support from well-wishers. That is why, I encourage you to make payments – even small ones – to Club’s account: 32 2130 0004 2001 0404 9144 0004 (title: “donation for statutory objectives”). Soon, we will also be completing tax return forms, I encourage you to consider, whether you could allocate your 1% to Jagiellonian Club (National Court Register: 0000128315).

MB: Thank you for sharing your experience in creating organisation, which has ambitions to influence our environment and reality, in which we function.

BW: Feel free to contact us and see you during meetings and debates in Olivia!

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^{Jagiellonian Club
– Polish association and social-political
think tank
with conservative and republican character, set up in 1989 in Cracow. The Club’s goal is to preserve and spread
republican
way of thinking about
Poland
and the world. The organisation was set up just after the Round Table Talks and it acquired legal personality in 1994. Currently, the Club is a nationwide organisation, which conducts educational, expert, journalistic activity and implements many civic political initiatives. It gathers mainly experts, social activists and publicists from young generation with republican, ordoliberal and conservative views. In its activity, the Club refers to the heritage of the 1st and 2nd Republic of Poland, “Solidarity” movement, as well as Christian philosophy and thought. According to the Preamble of Association’s Statute, the mission of Jagiellonian Club is to act for good and benefit of the Republic of Poland, as well as to multiply spiritual, intellectual and political heritage of Poland through the care of common welfare, justice, responsibility, resourcefulness and respect to tradition and religion. Expert activity within the scope of Jagiellonian Club’s Analysis Centre is led in a spirit of respect to four fundamental values: freedom, ownership, community and tradition.}

One of the most well-known travel portals, TripAdvisor, has published a rankingof the best tourist destinations in the world. In the ranking, which includes as many as 296 items, there was one Polish city, which was ranked 5th. spot – Gdansk!

The ” Destinations on the Rise” ranking of the best tourist destinations, which is published annually by TripAdvisor, is based on the opinions of travelers from all over the world, based on the increase in the number of positive reviews given by visitors to a given city. The assessment is subject to m.in. accommodation, restaurants and sights. Gdańsk was ranked 5. the highest among all European cities.

“We were happy to receive the information about another appreciation of the tourist attractiveness of Gdańsk. We are constantly developing our tourist offer and promoting our city abroad. All the more pleasing are the high positions we occupy in the rankings created by our guests. It is worth reminding that last year we took third place in the European Best Destination poll – says the Mayor of Gdansk, Paweł Adamowicz.

Places not to be missed include the Main Town (known as the “Old Town of Gdansk”), the Museum of the Second World War and St. Mary’s Basilica. In total, however, as many as 296 tourist attractions were taken into account, each of which was rated by Internet users.

The ranking includes:

• Ishigaki, Japan
• Kapaa, Hawaii, United States
• Nairobi, Kenya
• Halifax, Canada
• Gdansk, Poland
• San Jose, Costa Rica
• Riga, Latvia
• Rovinj, Croatia
• Nerja, Spain
• Casablanca, Morocco

More on TripAdvisor

We are proud!:)

This is yet another distinction for our city, which has recently been recognized – together with the Pomeranian Voivodeship – as the most effective, most dynamic and “best performing” large city (the ranking concerned cities and regions) in Europe. The “Best-performing Large Cities in Europe” ranking was prepared by the Milken Institute think-tank. Read More…

 

_{For: innpoland.pl, gdask.pl, tripadvisor.pl; Photo: texty.org.ua}

One of the most famous portals dedicated to tourism, TripAdvisor, has published the ranking of the best tourist destinations in the world. On the list, which included as many as 296 positions, there was one Polish city, which achieved the 5^th position – Gdańsk!

The ranking of the best tourist destinations entitled “Destinations on the Rise”, which is published every year by TripAdvisor, is created on the basis of the opinions of the travellers from around the world and the increase in the number of positive opinions given by people who visit a certain city. For example, accommodation, restaurants and monuments are assessed. Gdańsk achieved the 5^th position – the highest one among all European cities.

– We were glad to hear that tourism attractiveness of Gdańsk was appreciated once again. We are continuously developing our tourist offer and promoting our city abroad. That is why, we are even more pleased with high positions in rankings created by our guests. It is worth recalling that last year we achieved the third position in European Best Destination plebiscite – said Paweł Adamowicz, the Mayor of Gdańsk.

Among the sites, which according to tourists cannot be missed, there are the Main City (called “the old town in Gdańsk”), the Museum of the Second World War and St. Mary’s Church. However, as many as 296 tourist attractions in total were taken into account, out of which every attraction was assessed by Internet users.

The ranking included:

• Ishigaki, Japan
• Kapaa, Hawaii, USA
• Nairobi, Kenya
• Halifax, Canada
• Gdansk, Poland
• San Jose, Costa Rica
• Riga, Latvia
• Rovinj, Croatia
• Nerja, Spain
• Casablanca, Morocco

More information can be found on TripAdvisor
website

We are proud! 🙂

This is another distinction for our city, which – together with Pomeranian Voivodship – has recently been considered as the most effective, dynamic and “best performing” big city (the ranking concerned cities and regions) in Europe. “Best-performing Large Cities in Europe” ranking, the matter at hand, was prepared by Milken Institute think-tank. Read more…

_{References: innpoland.pl, gdask.pl, tripadvisor.pl; photo: texty.org.ua}

 

We are talking to Marta Szulc from Caritas branch in Gdańsk about the strength of good, which flows out of contact with people, who have their passions and energy to act, about overcoming stereotypical way of perceiving seniors and about why it is worth taking part in events, which present the behind-the-scenes work of one of the oldest charity organisations in Poland.

Monika Bogdanowicz (Olivia Business Centre Communication): Is good nowadays a deficient value? What are your experiences concerning the work with different groups of people in need and the ones who help?

Marta Szulc (Secretary of the Management Board in Caritas of Gdańsk Archdiocese): We are sure that good is in all of US. That is why, there are as many GOOD deeds as there are people. Variety of issues, areas of life and social areas, which Caritas in Gdańsk is occupied with, very often makes us think that there is not so much good around us. Children, who don’t have second breakfast at school or socks without holes; people under the care of our clubhouses, seniors, who want to get rid of the feeling of loneliness in our facilities or homeless and hungry people. It may seem that they haven’t met enough good people on their way if they are seeking help from us. However, all you have to do is come to any of Caritas facility and you will realise that these are places, where there is plenty of good. I would like to emphasise that this good is in all of us: in our charges, employees, volunteers. In me and you. You just need to find the way to bring it out.

MB: Why do we need to be good people in the contemporary world?

MSz: I wouldn’t confine being good either to time or place. Being good is always needed. The thing that is characteristic for the contemporary world is a huge drive for… actually we don’t really know for what. But the thing I know for sure is that every situation, when I can stop for a while, do something good, gives me enormous satisfaction. It works in the case of every human being. I encourage you to give it a try even today. What can you do? You can smile to a ticket inspector on a train, say ‘good morning’ to your neighbour… Let’s start with little things.

^{photo: Caritas of Gdańsk Archdiocese}

 

MB: How do you create active communities of people, who want to share their time, experience and passion?

Mfa: The most difficult thing is to overcome certain stereotypes, prejudices and attitudes. I have been working for Caritas in Gdańsk for more than 13 years and I have learnt to start with a meeting. Do you want to devote your time and passion to seniors? Come to one of our facilities. Spend some time with us, let’s get to know one another. You will soon realise that you are not the only one who can share something – seniors have great experience and their passions, which they will eagerly share. It is important to be and to act together.

MB: You are beginning a new series of meetings, which will be organised in Olivia Business Centre. How did you come up with such an idea and which goals are you setting to implement using this formula?

Mfa: The idea was slowly growing for about two years. I will refer to something I said before, we would really like to meet people who work in this area. We want to spend some time together, simply be together. Our goal is to get to know better and share the best things we have. I must admit that we would also like to give employee information, which they may use in the future, for example, who can seek help from us or how you can join us, for example as a volunteer.

We would like to show that Caritas in Gdańsk hires more than 300 employees and consists of more than 20 facilities, including a hospice, which is now preparing a charity ball, to which we invite you. These facilities include also: Home for Single Mothers, a dozen or so clubhouses, Occupational Therapy Workshops, branches of Nursing Institution, Caritas Club’s School, canteen for homeless people, district nurses, Social Welfare Home, day medical care centre, Senior Day Care Centre…

We would really like to show the backstage of “Caritas”, share the good we have and maybe help the ones who haven’t found it yet in finding it?

MB: Who are the meetings directed to and what can we expect from them?

MSz: The meetings are directed to people who work in Olivia. We also invite our charges and co-workers. During them we would like to show in an interesting way what is going on in our facilities. On Tuesday, 23^rd of January, there will be held a meeting with seniors – it will be a really interesting event. Personally, I am waiting for classes as part of “brain exercises” series – it’s a small sample of classes, which we conduct for seniors. I can’t also wait to see a photo exhibition. I will just say that our ladies are on the covers of catalogues of a well-known Swedish company. This is really impressive. The first meeting as part of the series will be dedicated to active seniors who are full of passion. Because of the fact that this is our first meeting, I don’t hide the fact that as organisers we feel some jitters.

Our seniors will participate in the meeting. They will share all their best with us. They will share their passions, talents and experiences. I have talked to Krysia and I know they are really looking forward to it. We want to show that old age can be Beautiful, what will be reflected by the photos of our senior ladies, which were taken during a professional photo session, Joyful – what will be heard during joint singing, Active – it will be proven, among other people, by Kacper, our physiotherapist who works with seniors and Creative – actors who are more than 70 and who prepared a Nativity play, will try to convince us that it’s true. But above all, we want to talk about the fact that old age is also GOOD.

^{photo: Caritas of Gdańsk Archdiocese}

 

MB: How do you manage to activate the potential of such people and what surprised you the most while implementing projects dedicated to seniors?

MSz: Working with people requires… meeting people. I know, I repeat myself… But you just need to listen to the story of their lives. Then you need to get rid of patterns, prejudices and fulfil your dreams… One of such dreams came true – while carrying out photographic project with seniors in a facility in Dolne Miasto, one of the seniors said: “We have such beautiful photos – we must show them to other people“. Another one added: “But we have a gallery in our district – let’s prepare an exhibition”. At first, I was speechless. But I got rid of things that limit us and I said: ‘Why not?’ Some weeks later, our seniors had their exhibition in Łaźnia Contemporary Art Gallery in Gdańsk in Dolne Miasto. It was a magical time of dreams come true. I wish you many dreams come true and once again would like to invite you to a joint meeting!

M.B: I wish you many good moments and meetings with people, who want to devote their time and give Caritas new, good energy.

 

We invite you to the meeting with seniors in Olivia

 

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^{Marta Szulc. Professionally: Secretary of the Management Board in Caritas of Gdańsk Archdiocese (for less than 1.5 years). Before, she was the manager of Caritas facilities in Gdańsk, for example, Senior Day Care Centre, “Dobra” clubhouse, the coordinator of Voluntary Service. She has been working for Caritas in Gdańsk for more than 13 years. Education: pedagogue, psychologist. Private life: happy wife of Michał and mother of Antek and Marysia. Passions: working with plants in the garden, good coffee and chocolate in every form.}

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^{Caritas Poland is a charity organisation of the Polish Episcopacy Conference. It was reactivated on the 10th of October 1990. It refers to the tradition of Caritas charity work before 1950. It operates on the basis of the act of 17th May 1989 on the relations between the State against the Catholic Church. Since 2004, it has had the status of public benefit organisation (National Court Register Number 0000198645). Caritas Poland coordinates the work of 44 diocesan and archdiocesan Caritas facilities in Poland and supports them in carrying out their tasks. What is more, Caritas Poland has several roles: representative role (it acts on behalf of Caritas in Poland at the national and international level), formation and informative role (it conducts trainings, symposiums, it identifies the areas and scale of poverty in Poland), operational role (it initiates nationwide fundraising events for Poland and foreign countries, organises humanitarian transport, organises emergency, long-term, material, psychological, legal and financial assistance for unemployed, homeless, sick, elderly people, children from poor families, as well as immigrants and refugees).}

^{The beginnings of Caritas activity in Poland involved mainly the distribution of material gifts from abroad (martial law). However, it quickly changed its strategy and started to deal with humanitarian help thanks to funds from people of goodwill and institutions. Caritas created professional care and educational facilities: Caritas Nursing Stations, rehabilitation centres, Nursing and Care Homes, Social Welfare Homes, Occupational Therapy Workshops, Homes for Single Mothers, canteens for the poor, clubhouses for children and elderly people and so on. In the international arena, it cooperates with “Cor Unum” Papal Council and is the member of Caritas Internationalis and Caritas Europe.}

^{http://caritas.pl/}